The Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center (formerly, the Oakland Auditorium, aka the Oakland Municipal Auditorium) is a 1915 Beaux-Arts-style building in the Civic Center neighborhood, directly below Lake Merritt. The building was designed by architects John J. Donovan and Henry Hornbostel (who also contributed to the design of City Hall) and built under the supervision of Commissioner of Public Works, Harry S. Anderson.

Opening Day Presentation

Commissioner Harry S. Anderson then reporting the work of the builders completed, addressed Mayor Mott, officially turning over to him the building. He said:

"Mr. Mayor. Some years ago at the instance of a representative group of taxpayers of Oakland, there was evolved in the general scheme of civic improvements of this city, a plan for a municipal auditorium. That plan was taken up by the people with great enthusiasm. The public officials were encouraged to forward it, and today were are witnesses of the splendid result of the effort. That the task was no mean one is amply demonstrated as we observe the imposing structure now before us. It is a work that will bear the closest scrutiny. It has been carried on under the best of comparison, and I have no hesitation in the reporting of the statement that no public office, in this country outranks it by architectural perfection of construction.

"May I ask your indulgence a moment to point out the fact that this auditorium as it now stands, is much larger and more comprehensive than was originally outlined? We have developed, at the demand of the people, two outstanding features, namely, the arena and the theater. By the clever mechanical contrivances these may be utilized separately or jointly as occasion shall require. Numerous smaller halls, committee rooms, and the like have also been provided. I shall not go into details at this time - but will invite the architects and superintendents of construction to give these items to the public. Let it suffice to me to say that this auditorium has been built by skilled hands, under complete supervision and that the people of Oakland have received a dollar's worth of value for every dollar that has been expended upon this edifice.

"As commissioner of the Department of Public Works of the city of Oakland, it is my pleasant duty formally to advise you of the readiness of the municipal auditorium for public use. With a full sense of the great responsibility that has attached to the erection of the building, I do now present it to you, Mr. Mayor, as the chief executive of this city, that it may here be dedicated to the public service, for the pleasure and enjoyment of all the people."

As the crowd cheered Mayor Mott rose to answer, accepting the work of the builders in the name of the people of Oakland.

Historic Status

Perhaps its most salient fact, however, is etched in huge letters (almost readable in the photo above) on the façade facing the lake:

“AUDITORIUM OF THE CITY OF OAKLAND DEDICATED BY THE CITIZENS TO THE INTELLECTUAL AND INDUSTRIAL PROGRESS OF THE PEOPLE”, along with the date (1914).

Read it again—there’s nary a word about Henry Kaiser (who hadn’t come on the scene yet, anyway), nor any mention of 3Com, Oracle, or for that matter, any corporate profits or concerns. 1914’s citizens (not “consumers”!) intended it to serve today’s citizens (that’s you!). Yet the City of Oakland mothballed the Center in 2005 because it wasn’t profitable 1. The main problem is the boilers and heating system, which are antiquated and apparently cost a small fortune just to start up. Ever since, this lovely building has basically been ignored … not serving the community, hosting cultural events, or helping anyone’s intellectual progress or industry.

Location

10 Tenth Street, Oakland, California

Former Uses

In its long and varied career, the Auditorium building has fulfilled many roles:

James Brown at the Oakland AuditoriumOakland Auditorium as hospital during flu pandemic (1918)Elvis Presley backstage at the Oakland Auditorium on June 3, 1956Opening Night at the Oakland Auditorium
from Alameda County: The Ideal Place for Your California Home 1915

Sculptures

Each of the seven entrance bays on the north side of the building features beautiful bas relief sculptures. They were created by A. Stirling Calder, father of noted mobile sculptor, Alexander Calder. Calder was in the Bay Area to create sculptures for the Panama Pacific International Exhibition (PPIE) in 1915. He was the acting director (under Karl Bitter) of the massive sculpture program for the PPIE.

The dome-shaped hollows also act as great sound reflectors and focusers.

"Gifts of the Air""The Duties of Life""Wealth of the Sea""The Wealth of the Mind""The Delight of Flowers" / "The Source of Food""Consolation of the Arts""The Joy of Effort"

Current Status

The city shut down the convention center in 2006 because of operating costs. In 2010, the City sold the property to the Oakland Redevelopment Agency, as a way to move $28.3 million from the Agency to the City’s general fund. However, in 2012, the state dissolved redevelopment agencies, so the property reverted to City ownership, and the state disallowed the sale and demanded the City repay the full amount to the state. 2. It currently is in need of approximately $7M worth of upgrades, mostly to the heating and cooling system. On Jan. 28, 2012, Occupy Oakland attempted to re-occupy the building during its Move In Day protest.